The Mass in B minor was one of Bach's last compositions, not completed until 1749, the year before his death. It was unusual for composers working in the Lutheran tradition to compose a Missa tota and Bach's motivations remain a matter of scholarly debate. The Mass was never performed in its entirety during Bach's lifetime; the first documented complete performance took place in 1859. The interpretation of the Munich Bach-Choir and Orchestra conducted by Karl Richter can be regarded as one of the early exemplary recordings of this monumental work. Supported by a cast of first class soloists as Maria Stader, Hertha Topper, Kieth Engen, Ernst Haefliger and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau this album contains a cornerstone in the Bach's recorded legacy, carefully remastered in 24 Bit High Definition.